Hi,
The J frame is on most everyone's list for a serious, accurate professional CCW handgun. Most folks find they can't buy just one, me included!!!
Some (Chiefs) have hammers, the humback (Bodyguard) types are humpback to prevent hammer snag but still have a recessed hammer you CAN cock, then the Centennial types are hammerless.
Which kind? I don't care! Whichever type VINTAGE one that I find and like. Some rave about the hammerless once, since they are more compact, and it is true that you'll be firing double action only if you use it in self defense.
HOWEVER . . . thumb cocking can be a good option. For instance, today I tossed a Model 36 in my pocket (shown below) and hit the woods to move some deer stands. We sometimes encounter wild dogs and if I had to put one, or several, down today I would have cocked it and made dang sure I put one between the eyes. Sometimes it is nice having that option.
Frankly, I have had zero problems drawing my Chief's Special types (Model 36 and 37) from my pocket. I'm happy with 'em.
THE S&W J-FRAME vs. COLT DETECTIVE SPECIAL/AGENT/COBRA
Well, I have a 1961, 1st generation Colt Agent. It's cylinder holds six rounds . . . but the cylinder also can use the same speedloaders of my S&W K-framed six shooters. If I'm gonna carry a revolver concealed, I don't want that extra width!!! If I don't mind it, the gun will be in a belt holster and it will be a six shot Model 65 3" S&W.
Here's my 1964 M36 and my 1961 Colt Agent (with optional hammer shroud), so you can compare sizes. My Agent was inherited from my dad, who carried it each day in his auto junkyard . . . as evidenced by it's finish. It surely isn't as nice looking as the previous poster's Agent. I shoot my revolvers with as high a grip as possible to reduce muzzle flip and speed followup shots, and it seems many folks used those hammer shrouds "back in the day" to prevent hammer bite when you were grippin' it high as one should. I don't have that problem on the Smith revolvers.
ONLY FIVE SHOTS?
I feel totally protected with "just" five rounds from my J-frames!
Usually, my pocket gun is a blued Model 37 Airweight snubbie, due to the super-light weight.
Today it was my nickle-plated steel-framed Model 36 snubbie, due to knowing I'd be sweating in the woods. Frankly, the seven ounces or so of extra weight wasn't even noticed.
Ironically, my Model 36 unloaded weights about the same as my Kimber Ultra CDP aluminum-framed officer's sized .45ACP . . . yet I chose the smaller M36 in the woods today.
That's how confident I am with my J-frames. I love 'em!
T.
PS: My wife loves her Model 37 Airweight too! Hers has a 3" barrel and it is quite easy and comfortable to shoot with a Tyler T-grip and the original wood stocks. The longer barrel lessens the felt recoil and has a longer sight radius.